India U19 will play England in the final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 after successfully chasing down a massive 311-run target against Afghanistan in just 41.1 overs in the second semi-final at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. With this, India also completed the highest-ever successful run chase in the history of the Under-19 World Cup, pulling off a record chase under pressure to book their record 10th final title clash.
India’s chase was powered by a sensational opening stand, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi producing a fearless display of strokeplay at the top. The teenage batter smashed a 24-ball fifty, hammering three sixes and eight fours, as India raced out of the blocks and ensured the asking rate never looked intimidating. Suryavanshi eventually fell for a stunning 68 off 33 balls, caught at mid-wicket while attempting another big hit, giving Nooristani Omarzai Afghanistan their first breakthrough.
Aaron George is the Player of the Match for his superb knock
India U19 register the highest successful run-chase in ICC Men’s U19 World Cups to clinch a 7️⃣-wicket win over Afghanistan U19 in the semi-final
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/rM2IsqdXXr#U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/dHww5uf3iw
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 4, 2026
Following his dismissal, skipper Ayush Mhatre joined opener Aaron George and the duo stitched together a match-defining partnership to keep India firmly in control. Mhatre played the anchor role with authority, bringing up his half-century in 43 balls, while George steadily upped the tempo from the other end. India breached the 200-run mark comfortably as the partnership continued to punish Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
Mhatre was dismissed for 62, again falling to Nooristani Omarzai, but by then India were well ahead in the chase. George carried on to complete a composed century off 95 balls before departing for a superb 115 off 104 balls, receiving a standing ovation as India closed in on victory.
With the job virtually sealed, India cruised to the target to secure a spot in the final, where they will now face England for the U19 World Cup title.
Afghanistan post 310/4 on Shinozada, Niazai tons
Earlier, Afghanistan U-19 posted a massive 310/4 against India U-19 in the second semi-final, riding on brilliant centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Mahboob Khan opted to bat first, backing his top order to make the most of a good surface. The decision paid off as Afghanistan’s batters dominated the Indian attack and kept the scoreboard ticking throughout the innings.
The standout performance came from Faisal Shinozada, who smashed a superb 110 off 93 balls. He stitched a crucial 148-run partnership with Niazai, giving Afghanistan the ideal platform to push towards a match-winning total. India finally broke the stand when Deepesh Devendran dismissed Shinozada, providing a much-needed breakthrough in the middle overs.
However, Afghanistan maintained control through Uzairullah Niazai, who continued to punish the bowlers and brought up his century in style. Niazai finished with a commanding 101 off 81 balls, laced with 12 fours and two sixes, as Afghanistan surged past the 300-run mark.
For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan were the standout bowlers, picking up two wickets each, but Afghanistan still managed to close strongly and put India under pressure in the knockout clash.
IND vs AFG U19 World Cup: Playing XIs
India XI: Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu, Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel.
Afghanistan XI: Osman Sadat, Khalid Ahmadzai, Faisal Shinozada, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (c), Azizullah Miakhil, Khatir Stanikzai, Abdul Aziz, Roohullah Arab, Nooristani Omarzai, Wahidullah Zadran.
IND vs AFG U19 World Cup: Match Details
Match: India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 (Semi-final 2)
Time: 1:00 PM IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
IND vs AFG U19 World Cup: Live Streaming Details
Where to watch IND vs AFG U19 semi-final live in India?
The match is being telecast live on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming is available on the JioHotstar app and website.
IND vs AFG U19 World Cup: Head-to-Head
India U19 have dominated Afghanistan U19 historically in Youth ODIs. The two teams have faced each other 12 times, with India winning 10 matches and Afghanistan winning 2.
IND vs AFG U19 World cup: Squad
India
Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Harvansh Pangalia, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Udhav Mohan, Kishan Singh.
Afghanistan
Mahboob Khan (c), Azizullah Miakhil, Faisal Shinozada, Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Uzairullah Niazai, Abdul Aziz, Aqil Khan, Khatir Stanikzai, Nazifullah Amiri, Nooristani Omarzai, Roohullah Arab, Salam Khan, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen.